Meaning of "For What It's Worth" by Crosby, Stills & Nash

The lyrics of "For What It's Worth" capture the spirit of the turbulent 1960s in America, when social and political upheaval was rampant. The reference to a man with a gun and the call to "beware" signifies a sense of fear and violence lurking in society, while the depiction of young people speaking out against injustice reflects the era's youth-driven movements for change. The line "Nobody's right if everybody's wrong" points to the ambiguity and confusion of the time, where moral certainty seemed elusive. The repeated refrain of "Hey, what's that sound" conveys a sense of urgency and a call for attention to the events unfolding. The song's message is a plea for awareness, an encouragement to stop and critically examine the world around us, to take action and not be passive observers in the face of injustice and violence. "For What It's Worth" serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of staying informed, being vigilant, and standing up for what is right in the face of adversity.